ELKHART, Ind., Oct. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, THOR
Industries (NYSE: THO), the owner of companies that together form
the world's largest recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturer,
announced the creation of a new executive leadership team
position. The new role of Chief Innovation Officer will play
a critical part in the future success of the organization by
optimizing and evolving the global product portfolio, leading
operational technologies and advancements and championing digital
strategies across the THOR family of operating companies.
Josef Hjelmaker has joined THOR as the Chief Innovation Officer,
reporting to Bob Martin, THOR
President & CEO. With a rich expertise in automotive and
consumer products, Hjelmaker will lead the Company's innovation
strategies for emerging consumer and vehicular technologies.
Hjelmaker's extensive experience includes numerous leadership roles
at Delphi Electronics & Safety focused on industry-leading
product development in the safe, green and connected space.
Most recently, Hjelmaker led the global cooking product development
organization at Whirlpool Corporation where he focused extensively
on the development of smart technologies designed to enhance the
consumer experience.
"Josef has an impressive track record of bringing innovative
consumer-centric product solutions to the market, which is a key
component to our long-term strategy," shared Bob Martin, THOR President & CEO.
"Welcoming Josef to our leadership team is a monumental step toward
THOR's goal of continuing to lead the industry in innovation for
years to come. His leadership and innovation mindset combined
with his ability to partner to advance the consumer experience
aligns perfectly with our global growth strategies."
"It is an honor to join the THOR team. I am extremely
excited to be part of a team with exceptional focus on the consumer
experience and drive for innovative solutions," stated Josef
Hjelmaker, THOR Chief Innovation Officer. "Together with the
talented THOR team and our valued partners, I am eager to harness
the many developing technologies in our space in a way that
maximizes the user experience for owners of THOR products as we
fulfill our transformative purpose of connecting people with nature
and each other."
Hjelmaker is joining the THOR Executive Leadership Team
effectively immediately and will be located in the THOR corporate
headquarters in Elkhart, Ind.
About THOR Industries
THOR Industries is the sole
owner of operating subsidiaries that, combined, represent the
world's largest manufacturer of RVs. Founded in 1980 by
Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein with the purchase of Airstream,
Elkhart, IN-based THOR has grown
both organically and through strategic acquisitions. For more
information on the Company and its products, please
visit: https://www.thorindustries.com/.
Contact: Tyler Deur,
tdeur@lambert.com
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SOURCE THOR Industries, Inc.